William Mathews
The first memories I have of my mother are when I was very little. One of my first memories was of me before I was three because my oldest sister hadn't been born yet. I'd be squirreling around when I was supposed to be ready to go to town. We lived in a large house. It had a pantry, and for some reason, Mother would finish getting ready in there. It was near the kitchen, and close to the door. Anyway, she'd keep calling me to be ready because she was about to go. Finally, she'd call out those terrible words, If you don't get in here right now, the boogey man is going to get you. I didn't know what or who he was, but I didn't want to find out.
Going to town with her was always a wonderful experience though because we'd sometimes visit my grandmother who worked at the “Canteen”, a restaurant in Enumclaw. I'd always get something good. Sometimes we'd stop at “Semanski's” , a 5 & 10 Cent store. Often she'd get me something to take home. I got all kinds of treasurers there.
She always looked after me, and I always knew she loved me. I never ever had a doubt. I love her still. I always will.
My last memory of her was two days before she passed away. We had a few hours with just the two of us. She had trouble forming sentences or keeping thoughts, but I took her down memory lane of some of the best times we had together. Once I'd start talking about an incident she'd remember and we'd laugh about it.
I'll see you soon, my dear mother.